30 greatest NFL defensive players of all-time
By Daniel Tran
23. Ernie Stautner, Defensive Lineman
Before the Steel Curtain, there was Ernie Stautner who was bullying offensive linemen in the trenches of the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers. If fans want to know where the Steelers tradition of tenacious, hard hitting defensive players came from, Stautner was one of the first.
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After growing up an immigrant in New York and joining the United States Marine Corp, Stautner had no choice but to grow up toughened by his circumstances. After attending Boston College and being drafted by the Steelers in the second round, Stautner went on to become a nine-time Pro-Bowler and ten-time All-Pro selection.
Though he was considered small, the 6’1, 235-pound lineman used his determination to put amazing pressure on the quarterback and ball carriers coming out of the backfield. He finished his career with two Super Bowl Championships, 23 fumbles recovered, and retired as the career leader in safeties with three.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
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